Full CAF Sanctions Against Morocco v Senegal in the AFCON Final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down its final verdict on the chaotic aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco, bringing closure to one of the most contentious endings in recent tournament history.

CAF has rejected Morocco’s formal protest seeking to have Senegal stripped of the AFCON title, confirming Senegal as the rightful champions. 

However, both federations have been hit with heavy fines and suspensions following widespread misconduct involving players, officials, fans, and matchday personnel.

Senegal’s Title Stands, but Sanctions Follow

While Senegal’s triumph remains intact, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that serious breaches of conduct occurred during and after the final.

Senegal Football Federation (FSF)

Fines

• $300,000 for supporters’ improper conduct
  
• $300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and officials, and bringing the game into disrepute
  
• $15,000 for misconduct arising from five yellow cards in the final
  

Total fines: $615,000

Suspensions

• Pape Thiaw, head coach of Senegal, has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined $100,000 for bringing the game into disrepute.
  
• Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr have each been suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour toward match officials.

Morocco Penalised After Protest Fallout

CAF also sanctioned the Moroccan camp, citing multiple violations connected to crowd control, pitch-side conduct, and post-match protests.

Morocco Football Federation (FRMF)

Fines

• $200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys
  
• $100,000 for improper conduct by players and officials, including invasion of the referee review area (RRA)
  
• $15,000 for fans’ use of laser pointers
  

Total fines: $315,000

Suspensions

• Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behaviour, with one match suspended for one year, meaning it will only be enforced if he commits a similar offence within that period.
  
• Ismael Saibari has been suspended for three CAF matches and fined $100,000 for unsporting behaviour.
  

CAF Sends a Clear Message

CAF’s rulings underscore a firm stance on discipline, match integrity, and respect for officials. By upholding Senegal’s title while issuing sweeping sanctions across both camps, the governing body signalled that competitive success does not excuse disorder, and protests will not overturn results without compelling evidence of decisive officiating error.

For Senegal, the trophy remains a historic achievement, though one now accompanied by administrative consequences.

For Morocco, the rejection of their protest closes the door on the title challenge, shifting focus instead to rebuilding discipline ahead of future CAF competitions.

The AFCON final will be remembered not only for Senegal’s victory, but as a cautionary episode on how quickly elite football can descend into controversy—and how firmly CAF is now prepared to respond.